Hillary Clinton to receive Order of Lincoln award

CHICAGO — Former U.S. first lady and secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton is to receive The Order of Lincoln award in her home state of Illinois.

Gov. Pat Quinn's office made the announcement Thursday, saying the honor is considered "the state's highest award." Clinton was raised in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge.

The governor says Clinton "personifies the best that Illinois and the United States of America can offer." He cited her work on women's and children's issues and her time as first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state.

Clinton is to receive the award May 3 at Chicago's Field Museum during the 50th Annual Convocation of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

Previous recipients include poet Gwendolyn Brooks and President Ronald Reagan.